Losing your front teeth can be devastating. Inability to smile, talk and laugh freely can lower your self-confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, tooth replacement is vital since tooth loss may negatively impact the alignment of your remaining natural teeth. As a result, they shift out of position affecting your smile, bite, and speech.
Lost teeth effects on your dental and overall health are immense. Fortunately, you can always receive expert oral care to restore your smile and dental health. This article will discuss several temporary front tooth replacement options that you can consider.
How Can I Cover a Missing Front Tooth?
There are numerous excellent options for replacing a missing front tooth or teeth to improve your smile and facial appearance. The primary options include:
- Removable partial denture
- Bridge
- Dental implant
- Flipper tooth
- Snap-on veneers
Removable Partial Denture
Removable partial dentures (RPD) are ideal for patients with a few missing teeth who might not necessarily require a complete set of dentures.
Usually, these tooth replacements are attached to gum-colored plastic bases. Some may have clasps and a metal framework that attaches to your existing teeth, while others feature more natural-looking connectors.
Besides filling the gaps created by missing teeth, removable partial dentures also prevent teeth misalignment.
Advantages of Removable Partial Dentures
- If you lose another tooth in the future, your dentist can add an extra replacement tooth to your partial denture- this will save you a significant amount of money and time.
- They are easy to replace or repair when necessary.
- RPDs are pretty affordable compared to other tooth replacement options, particularly for patients with more than one missing tooth.
- The partial dentures application process is simple and less invasive.
Disadvantages of Removable Partial Dentures
- Partial dentures might feel uncomfortable for some time.
- You must remove and clean them daily; otherwise, they can increase bacteria buildup, causing gum disease and tooth decay.
- Removable partial dentures that have visible metal clasps may not look natural.
Bridge
Dental bridges come in handy when you have one or multiple missing teeth. They fill the spaces with artificial teeth known as pontic. Crowns bonded to the teeth on either side of the missing teeth support the artificial teeth.
To qualify for a dental bridge procedure, you should have good jaw bone density and healthy gums. However, patients’ situations differ. Therefore, your dentist is in a better position to determine whether you are a perfect candidate. Typically, the procedure takes two visits to complete.
If the teeth next to the gap are damaged and could be restored through dental crowning, you will benefit more from a dental bridge procedure. But, if these teeth are healthy, a dental bridge won’t be the best option; your dentist will have to interfere with the tooth structure in preparation for the procedure.
Bridges can serve you for more than ten years, as long as you maintain proper dental hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleaning.
Advantages of Bridges
- A dental bridge feels and resembles natural teeth
- No surgery is needed; hence less invasive
- It’s an economical option
- Dental bridges prevent neighboring teeth from drifting out of place
Disadvantages of Bridges
- Poorly fitted bridges can damage the adjoining teeth
- If not cleaned properly, food particles hiding below the bridges can cause infections or bone loss
Dental Implant
A dental implant procedure is the most common and sophisticated front tooth replacement option that offers exemplary results. In addition, most tooth crowns supported by dental implants look natural since they emerge from your gums like natural teeth.
With dental implants, your dentist will not interfere with the structure of the adjacent teeth. Therefore, this procedure is one of the healthiest compared to dental bridges.
A dental implant replaces damaged tooth root and ensures that the jawbone remains healthy and strong. It can serve you for a lifetime if you practice proper dental hygiene and regular checkup.
Artificial tooth roots take a few months to heal and fuse securely to your jawbone. When the implant is healed completely, your dentist will place and secure a dental crown on top.
Advantages of Dental Implants
- They look natural
- Neighboring teeth aren’t damaged
- They are a lifelong replacement
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
- Expensive compared to other tooth replacement procedures
- It’s an invasive procedure
- It takes time to heal
Flipper Tooth
A flipper tooth is a removable partial denture that rests on the jaw with one or multiple artificial teeth connected to it. Unlike dental bridges, a flipper tooth doesn’t rely on adjacent teeth for support.
Advantages of a Flipper Tooth
- Affordable and painless tooth replacement option
- Lighter than a partial denture
- Offer temporary tooth replacement before you decide on a permanent option
Disadvantages of a Flipper Tooth
- Less durable
- It might feel uncomfortable
Snap-On Veneers
Shiny Smile snap-on veneers can fill in the space left by lost teeth to restore your smile. They fit perfectly over existing teeth to give instant results. The procedure is invasive and doesn’t involve costly dentist visits, drills, shots, or needles; you can complete the process from the comfort of your home.
Shiny Smile Veneers use advanced technology and quality material to manufacture custom-made snap-on veneers with unique characteristics.
Advantages of Snap-On Veneers
- Lightweight
- No speech difficulties
- No discoloration
- Durable
- Non-intrusive
- Instant results
Disadvantages of Snap-On Veneers
- They don’t have gaps between teeth; hence may look unnatural
- The procedure might not be covered by insurance
How Much Does It Cost to Cover a Missing Front Tooth?
PROCEDURE
PRICE RANGE
Removable partial denture
$650 – $2,500 (upper or lower)
Bridge
$3,000-$5,000 (single bridge)
Dental implant
$3,000-$6,000
Flipper tooth
$300-$500
Snap on veneers
Around $570 for a full set
Generally, the cost of a tooth replacement procedure varies depending on the manufacturer, materials used, and location.
How to Get Started With Shiny Smile Veneers
Once you choose the veneer shade and make payments, we will deliver an impression kit alongside easy-to-understand instructions on how to take your impressions. You will send the package back, plus several photos of your teeth when done.
At Shiny Smile Veneers, we manufacture snap-on veneers based on your impressions for a perfect fit on your existing teeth. We will then ship the custom-made veneers to you and wait for your positive feedback. We are confident that you will love the results.
For more information, or if you have any questions, please read our reviews and FAQ page.